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stir·rup  (stûrəp, stĭr-)
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Tweet n. 1. A flat-based loop or ring hung from either side of a horse's saddle to support the rider's foot in mounting and riding; a stirrup iron. 2. A part or device shaped like an inverted U in which something is supported, held, or fixed. 3. A rope on a ship that hangs from a yard and has an eye at the end through which a footrope is passed for support. 4. See stapes. [Middle Englishstirope, fromOld Englishstīgrāp : stīgan, to mount; see steigh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + rāp, rope.]  (click for a larger image)  (click for a larger image) stirruptop:stirrup on an English saddle bottom:stirrup on a western saddle |
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